Age
This art of self-defense has been developed in Korea over the last 20 centuries. An attack is countered without weapons; every part of the body can be trained as a defensive weapon.

Discipline
Relationships are very important in Korea. Basic rules allow Korean society to function. Politeness and discipline are exported from the Korean society to the North-American dojang (school) in several ways. (Park; p.15)
In the dojang, you are introduced to a code of ethics and morality. Today's tae kwan do champions learned discipline early. Their physical, mental and moral character development led them to avoid tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs. (Park; p.2)

Language
The heritage of tae kwan do is further rooted in the Korean language. In most dojangs you will hear an instructor barking Korean commands. Tae kwan do tournament players are required to understand Korean terminology. It is not unusual to observe more than 60 countries competing in international tae kwan do events without miscommunication. (Park; p.16)

Emotional Significance
When doing tae kwan do, all organs are activated, muscles are developed and the brain is stimulated, which in turn, in the widest sense of the word, strengthens a person's willpower. Tae kwan do cultivates willpower and self-confidence through a combination of physical and mental conditioning.  (Lee; p.6)
 

Belt levels 
The white uniform, called a Dobok, signifies purity and ignorance. In ancient times, people wore white belts to hold up their pants. As they trained, the belt became dirtier and the color darker. That's why, in modern tae kwan do schools, you receive a progressively darker colored belt as you get promoted. (Park; p.19)

Everybody starts with a white belt, then advance to yellow, green, blue, red and after several years, black. Once in the black level, many students realise that their training has only just started as they advance through the ten levels or degrees (called Dan). To reach 6th Dan, can take 15 years, and to reach 10th Dan, 20 or more years.

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